Why Victor Wembanyama believes Spurs' "inexperience" will help them achieve this "impossible" originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Spurs closed out the series with an impressive 139-109 blowout victory in Game 6. Mitch Johnson’s squad relied heavily on a standout performance from Stephon Castle, who posted 32 points and 11 rebounds, while their big man Victor Wembanyama contributed 19 points to advance the franchise to its first Western Conference Finals since 2017.
Critics spent the season doubting this roster's lack of playoff experience, but Wemby's explanation for their sudden success is even bolder than the playoff run itself.
Victor Wembanyama calls Spurs' inexperience their biggest weapon
Critics argued the Spurs were too young and inexperienced to contend for a title in their first year together. Sports Illustrated drew a comparison to the 2024 OKC Thunder, another No. 1 seed that came into the postseason inexperienced and was bounced in the second round, raising the question of whether San Antonio was destined to "take their lumps and come back stronger next season."
Wembanyama dismissed that idea completely on NBA on Prime Nightcap after the team closed out the series.
"Heart matters more than anything, for sure," the 22-year-old said. "More than physical ability, more than size, more than experience. And I feel like lack of experience – if we don't know that it's impossible, we will do it. As simple as that."
Because the team does not know where its limit is, they do not play like they have one. As NBA.com's CJ Miles put it, this roster is young and inexperienced, but they are not scared
Spurs silenced Minnesota in six physical games
The Timberwolves-Spurs series was physical from the jump. Minnesota relied on physical defense, bumping Victor Wembanyama on cuts and fighting for every rebound.
Wembanyama scored just four points in 12 minutes before getting ejected from the game and his absence ultimately cost San Antonio the game
He responded in Game 5 with 27 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Spurs to a 126-97 blowout. In the Game 6 clincher, San Antonio set a franchise playoff record with 18 three-pointers.
Meanwhile, Minnesota's offense stalled. Anthony Edwards scored 24 points on a rough 9-of-26 shooting, while Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert combined for just three points.
Seven of the Spurs' ten rotation players are under 26 and had zero postseason experience before this year. Yet, San Antonio has advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2017. The reigning champion awaits them on Monday for Game 1.
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